County not offering solution to vacant, unkempt lots

CHARLOTTE COUNTY: Charlotte County officials say they are receiving complaints about neglected lawns on vacant lots that are not only an eye sore, but a potential danger. But there's not much the county can do.

Neglected and vacant lots have residents like Jeff McMaster donating his time and tools.

"I know it's not our responsibility but it's not going to get done until somebody takes action and does it," he said. "If everyone pulls together, if they can knock them down, they won't look so bad."

Thick, brush filled lots can be spotted throughout the entire lakefront of one Port Charlotte neighborhood. And John Merrick says it has become an eyesore to his view of the water.

"We tried to get the county to do something and the county evidently washed their hands with it and said we aren't going to do anything," he explained.

Charlotte County officials say that there are more than 100,000 vacant lots throughout the county. Even with neighbors stepping up to do their part to combat this growing problem, the county says they just can't afford to mow every vacant lot.

"You have to mow them four to five times a year at $25 to $50 per. You're talking a few million dollars and we just do not have the funds to do that," said Charlotte County Licensing and Code Enforcement Manager Erin Mullen-Travis.

Homes used to sit on most of the vacant lots before Hurricane Charley. But now with the structures gone and statutes in place, the owners aren't responsible for the lawns.

"I don't foresee a change in the near future especially the way the economy is right now," said Mullen-Travis.